Austrian Motorcycle manufacturer KTM in collaboration with BOSCH has developed “Motorcycle Stability Control” technology for its flagship dual-sport KTM 1190 Adventure. Jointly developed over a period of two years, the MSC technology is essentially a fusion of Combined Anti-lock Braking System (C-ABS) and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) working in conjunction under varied riding conditions.
Though electronic aids such as traction control, brake force distribution and ABS were already present on the earlier KTM 1190 Adventure, but this time the new technology works more on the angle and tilt technology for stability control to the rider under all conditions during braking.
With the new technology, KTM claims the 1190 Adventure to be the safest motorcycle in the world to go along with its versatile character.
The new MSC tech offers the following benefits to the rider.
- Additional electronic control of brake distribution prevents the wheels from slipping while braking at lean angles.
- Reduces the maximum braking force at lean angles minimizing risks of skids and crashing.
- MSC activates the pressure modulator in the hydraulic braking circuit to prevent rolling over during emergency stops.
- Prevents rear wheel skids when accelerating while leaning over.
- Prevents uplift of the front wheel during accelerating and helps keep a tighter line of cornering.
And here’s how it works
KTM states that “The MSC system cannot reverse the effects of gravity or force but it can be a life-saving means of assistance as the rider could have cause to get nearer to the limits of his machine.”
KTM Product Manager Joerg Schuller says “I have ridden the 1190 Adventure with MSC during the development phase and it works incredibly well. At the same time it requires enormous will and courage to push yourself. Trying a conventional ABS is already special but daring to check out new braking limits at a bigger lean angle and doing things that you would never have tried before is very delicate and exciting, no matter what any technician tells you beforehand.”
The 2014 KTM 1190 Adventure with standard MSC would be available from December 2013 onwards at a price of 13,995 Euros with the 1190 Adventure R at a higher 15,495 Euros.
The best part is existing customers with the earlier 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure would be able to retrofit the new Motorcycle Stability Control technology on their bikes for an extra cost of 399 Euros at an authorized KTM dealership.